Career Guide | IT Management
Pursue an exciting and rewarding career with a bachelor's degree or MBA in information technology management.
If you're interested in a management or leadership role in the realm of technology and innovation, a degree in IT management could be the perfect fit for you. These degrees will help you be prepared to succeed in many roles that focus on the business of IT. All companies need an IT department to help run their technology and systems, and an IT management degree can help you prepare to work in and run these complex departments. Whether you already have a background in IT or are just starting, an IT management degree can put you on the path to successful leadership in this dynamic field.
Learn more about the career options for students who earn a bachelor's degree or MBA in IT management.
Computer Systems Analyst
Average Salary—$90,000 per year | Job Outlook—9% growth by 2026
Computer systems analysts combine business and information technology to understand computer systems and procedures in an organization. They analyze the needs and limitations of the systems and ensure the company can be efficient and productive. They consult with managers to determine the role of IT systems inside the organization, evaluate the costs and benefits, increase functionality, oversee installation of new systems, and train users.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics analysts earn about $90,000 per year on average. The bottom 10% of this profession earn about $55,000 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $147,000 per year. This can vary based on your location and the size of the organization where you work. It also greatly depends on your education and work experience, with computer analysts who have be in the field for longer making a higher salary.
The employment of computer systems analysts is slated to grow at a rate of 9% in the next several years, which is faster than the national average. This is largely due to the increasing need of organizations to enhance their information technology systems and implement more effective technology. Analysts are crucial team members in helping the IT systems of an organization run smoothly.
Computer systems analysts can greatly benefit from a bachelor's degree in IT management. This degree will help set you up with an understanding of how computer systems run, as well as give you the business understanding for how to lead teams in the IT sphere. An MBA in IT management will give you additional insight into how to become a strong leader of IT teams.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Average Salary—$146,000 per year | Job Outlook—11% growth by 2028
Computer and information systems managers run all of an organization's technology. They work with the top leadership in a company to evaluate technology needs and ensure those needs can be met. They recommend upgrades, direct installation of hardware and software, ensure the networks are secure, review the budgets, and stay up-to-date on current IT trends that could benefit their organization. They may also manage the IT or technical support team.
The average yearly salary for computer and information systems manager is $146,00 per year, which is well above the national average salary in the U.S. of $56,000. The bottom 10% of the profession earn around $80,000 per year while the top 10% earn more than $208,000 per year. IT careers are highly specialized and generally offer high salaries, even at the entry level. Management positions usually require some experience in the IT world first and then translate to higher pay.
Employment of computer and information systems managers will likely grow 11% by 2028, which is much faster than the national average of job growth. Organizations around the world are expanding their digital platforms and will need qualified information systems managers to help them stay up-to-date.
A bachelor's degree in IT management is a great first step if you want to become a computer and information systems manager. You'll need a solid understanding in some IT fundamentals like network security and data management, as well as a great understanding of business practices. An MBA will likely be required for you to advance in your career up to a management position, and an IT management MBA will give you specific skills and experience that will enhance your career.
IT Manager
Average Salary—$88,000 per year | Job Outlook—11% growth by 2028
IT managers are in charge of all the technical aspects of an organization. They make important decisions about the hardware and software in an organization, report and give updates to the other management staff, make decisions about business technology, ensure problems are fixed, perform updates and bug fixes, maintain the website, and more. They are also often managers of other IT staff, including software developers, IT help desk staff, computer analysts, and more.
Salary levels for IT managers can vary greatly. On average, these professionals earn $88,000 per year, but the bottom 10% may earn $54,000 and the top 10% can earn more than $133,000 per year. Salary levels for IT managers depend on the size of the organization where they work, how many people report to them, their education level, and the amount of experience they have in IT management.
IT management is expected to grow 11% by 2028. As every organization in every industry increasingly uses technology, IT managers will continue to be crucial players for companies. More industries than ever are needing their own IT departments, and IT managers are needed to run all the technology in an organization.
A bachelor's degree in IT management is a great place to start if you want a career in IT management. A bachelor's degree will help you understand business management, budgets, IT skills, technology, and more. An MBA in IT management will help you gain additional credentials and skills that may be required for an IT management job. An IT management MBA will focus on leadership and management techniques and practices that are important for IT leaders.
IT Director
Average Salary—$120,000 per year | Job Outlook—15% growth by 2024
IT directors have many responsibilities in large organizations. They work on setting goals for the IT department, determining business requirements for IT systems, identifying security vulnerabilities and eliminating them, implementing new software and hardware, managing the help desk, overseeing all finances, implementing executive policies, and ultimately reporting to the C-suite team about all IT functions. IT directors are critical for the ultimate success of an organization.
On average, IT directors earn about $120,000 per year. The bottom 10% of IT directors earn about $66,000 per year while the top 10% earn more than $172,000 per year. The amount of money IT directors earn will vary based on the size of the organization they work for, their specific responsibilities, and the experience they have.
IT director positions are expected to see 15% growth by 2024. Organizations are continually expanding their IT department and structure, introducing IT directors to help manage the entire department. Most companies are increasing their IT staff and technology needs, making IT directors even more important.
If you want to become an IT director, you'll likely need to start with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like IT management. This kind of degree will give you important fundamental skills and set you on the IT path that will give you additional experience and knowledge. An MBA in IT management can be a crucial degree to earn if you want to become an IT manager, as it will give you increased preparation for management and leadership roles and a solid understanding of how business and IT intersect.
C-level Executive (CIO, CTO, CSO)
Average Salary—$245,000 per year | Job Outlook—11% growth by 2028
Top level executives with IT specialization include chief information officers (CIO), chief technology officers (CTO), and chief security officers (CSO). These C-level executives have unique and specialized roles in helping the IT function of an organization. They work with the other C-level executives to understand budgets, goals, strategy, and needs of the company. They work directly with the IT department management and employees to help ensure that all the needs are being met, that budgets are being followed, and that strategies are being executed.
The average annual salary for C-level executives in the IT sphere is $245,000 per year, with the bottom 10% earning about $169,000 per year and the top 10% earning more than $324,000 per year. The amount of money you can earn in these positions will vary greatly based on the size of your organization, and your experience level.
IT C-level executive positions are expected to grow 11% by 2028, a bit faster than other C-level positions. This is largely because there is a high level of specialization for C-level positions in IT. Additionally, more organizations are introducing these IT C-level executives into their company structure, adding positions and opportunities.
If you aspire to become a C-level IT executive, you'll need to start with a bachelor's degree. An IT management degree program will help you get important IT basics and business fundamentals that will aid you in your career. It will also help you get started in entry-level IT management roles, preparing you for moving up. You'll also need a bachelor's degree before you can pursue a master's degree. An MBA in IT management is a great graduate degree to pursue if you want to become a C-level executive. This degree program will give you important management and leadership skills that will prepare you for higher-level positions.